Do-it-Yourself

Dishwasher Soap & Rinse Aid

After the vacuum cleaner, dishwashers have got to be the 21st Century’s greatest achievement to domestic service.

Only in the last decade have I become quite attached to this modern marvel. In my search for earth friendly dishwashing powder, I came upon these recipes. They’re effective, earth/family friendly and cost only a penny (sometimes 2 pennies!) per load. Most of these ingredients are already in your kitchen and you’ll be amazed at the money you’ll save.

 

It’s easy and so much better for you and the planet when you make your own dishwasher powder. It takes only minutes to make and it’s safe and inexpensive. I’m usually super busy so I put everything into one-quart glass jar give it a stir, a shake, and call it good! Gets your dishes amazingly clean and you’ll feel good knowing you DIY without the toxic chemicals!

 

Why pay for expensive advertising that sells you toxic, cancer-causing chemicals? (Sorry about that, I hate to be the bearer of bad news.) See how your current cleaning product rates on the toxicity scale here.

As more of us choose to vote with our dollars and buy safe products, the chemical companies will get the message. Oh, and don’t be fooled by highly advertised dishwasher soap products that claim to get your dishes sparkling clean. A closer look reveals their products to be expensive, leave harmful residues and toxic to the environment.

U.S. chemical companies are well protected and are not required to list their ingredients on the label. You’d have to be a chemist to decipher them anyway. 80,000 unregulated chemicals, and only a few hundred have been tested for safety.

 

Rate your cleaning product at EWG.

 

Pregnant and breastfeeding moms should be especially careful for the sake of themselves as well as their developing children.

 

By purchasing at Amazon while on Eden’s Corner your caring helps support the work we do for you.

Recipe #1

 

Ingredients:

1 c. washing soda

¼ c. citric acid – available where quality bulk foods are sold

¼ c. coarse sea salt

10-15 drops essential oil – lemon or orange work great for cleaning

 

Directions:

Mix first three ingredients in a small bowl. Add essential oil and stir well.

Place in a glass jar with a sealed lid. Stir well.

 

Scoop into your dishwasher’s dispenser.

 

Rinse Aid: Fill rinse dispenser with white vinegar. Vinegar is a natural deodorizer and works great as a rinse aid.

Recipe #2

 

Ingredients:

½ c. baking soda

 ½ c. washing soda

 

Directions:

Combine dry ingredients. Place in a glass jar with scoop (comparable size scoop to fill your dishwasher’s soap dispenser)

 

Rinse Aid: Fill rinse dispenser with white vinegar. Vinegar is a natural deodorizer and works great as a rinse aid.

 

 

Recipe #3

Use this recipe in a pinch, when you run out of Recipe #1 or #2. Works great!

 

Ingredients:

Baking soda – enough to fill dispenser cup 2/3 full

2 t. liquid dish soap – Use environmentally friendly brands like Earth Friendly Dishmate Dish Liquid 

Sea salt – add enough to almost fill dispenser – buy in bulk from a reputable source; your local co-op or Frontier Bulk Foods available at quality stores in the U.S.   

 

Directions:

Scoop enough baking soda into your dispenser cup to fill 2/3 full.

Add 2 t. liquid dish soap

Add enough salt to almost fill dispenser

 

Rinse Aid: Fill rinse dispenser with white vinegar. Vinegar is a natural deodorizer and works great as a rinse aid.

 

 

Whether you decide to make your own DIY cleaning products or purchase a safe alternative that we have carefully researched for you (companies with integrity), you can feel good knowing you’re making your home and the earth a safer place to live.

Alternative Products

For those of you that don’t have the time to make your own but want a product that is safe and effective, we’ve carefully chosen these Amazon -sourced products for you. Each product is rated A+ by the Environmental Working Group.

Safe Alternatives:

 

Better Life Dishwasher Gel

 

Biokleen Automatic Dish Powder, Citrus Essence

 

Earth Friendly Products Wave 2X Ultra High Efficiency Free & Clear Auto Dishwasher Gel

 

Fit Organic Dish Liquid Soap